Parkinson admits Neil has every chance of a Sunderland start
P h i l Pa rk i n s o n s ays D a n Neil has given himself every chance of beginning the new season in the starting XI.
Hull City visit the Stadium of Light for the Carabao Cup first round on Saturday afternoon, marking an unusual return to competitive action for Parkinson’s Sunderland side after over six months away.
Aston Villa U21s will then visit Wearside on Tuesday night for an EFL Trophy game, before the League One season proper begins with the visit of Bristol Rovers on September 12.
Parkinson confirmed yesterday that he would field a strong side against Grant McCann’s Hull, who were relegated from the Championship last season but have subsequently recruited some proven League One talent.
His intention is to then rotate heavily for the game against Villa’s youngsters.
That will provide opportunities for the likes of Jack Diamond, Morgan Feeney and Brandon Taylor to impress after an encouraging pre-season period.
Neil is certain to feature in that contest but after a host of impressive contributions in recent weeks, he could yet be given the nod as soon as Saturday.
Either way, he seems certain to get the chance to stake his claim further.
The summer began with speculation that he could be the latest promising youngster to leave the Academy, but Parkinson was impressed with his
clear message that he wanted to stay and stake a claim. He has done exactly that. "I don't want to build him up too much but I don't think he could have done much more than he has done in terms of training,” Parkinson said.
“In terms of the running we've done he's been right up there in the lead group, the quality of his play in training has been good and in each
friendly he's affected the game with his quality.
“I'm pleased with his contribution so far and he is right in the running to start, never mind be in the squad.
“He has got the opportunity to start, you can see he already has the respect of the senior players.
“I'm very pleased with his contribution and if he doesn't start at the weekend, he'll certainly start against Aston Villa.
“On Tuesday we will play a young team in that competition,” he added.
“At this stage I don't want the senior lads to be going Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, and we also want to give some of our young players an opportunity.”
Parkinson has close to a full-strength squad to choose from, with only Elliot Embleton missing through injury.
T h e ta l e nte d attac k i n g midfielder is set to return to full training next week.
Jordan Willis and Josh Scowen are both available after leaving the field with minor injuries in the 1-0 win over Harrogate Town last Saturday.
Tom Flanagan could also be available after withdrawing from the Northern Ireland squad.
Flanagan’s wife is due to give birth and so the defender was reluctant to travel to Romania, a situation which Parkinson said new Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough was ‘totally understanding of ’.
Parkinson has a big decision to make up front, as well, with Will Grigg impressing in pre-seaon with three goals.